The KwaZulu-Natal department of education has wasted R4m by buying eight ferries, some of which cannot navigate the province’s rivers and lakes. This surfaced in a parliamentary reply to the DA in February 2018. "On their arrival it was discovered that the landscape was not fully conducive for them to be launched‚" KwaZulu-Natal department of education head Enock Vusumuzi Nzama and education MEC Mthandeni Dlungwane wrote. "Engagements with the relevant district municipalities and the department of transport are necessary as the required alterations to the landscape fall outside of the jurisdiction of the department of education." Provincial education spokesman Kwazi Mthethwa said trees would have to be cleared in rivers that were not deep enough to carry ferries. He added that dangerous animals such as crocodiles‚ hippos and snakes would also pose a challenge when clearing the rivers. Mthethwa claimed the ferries were "just a pilot project" and "an eye-opener". The eight ferry boats...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.